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Pelican Rapids Volleyball (Season Preview)

By Craig Olson, 08/20/19, 3:15PM CDT

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The Pelican Rapids volleyball team lost some experienced leaders and strong players to graduation following their 18-8 overall record in 2018.  Gone from the Vikings roster in 2019 are all-time dig (1294) leader Kaylie Isaman, all-time assist (1914) leader Sarah Thompson, top hitter Adriana Torres and defensive specialist Grace Peterson.  Isaman, Thompson and Torres were All-Conference players last year in the Heart O’ Lakes Conference.

“I am extremely excited for this upcoming season,” stated Head Coach Heidi Isaman, now in her tenth season.  “Even though we have lost some key players, this group of girls is working extremely hard and have such an amazing attitude toward each other and the work they have ahead of them.  Our biggest challenges we face will be replacing Thompson, who was a 3-year starting setter for us, and Isaman, a 4-year starting libero.  We are working with switching our offense from a 5-1 to a 6-2 and our girls have adapted quickly.  We have many versatile athletes who can play several different positions which has been to our advantage in changing our offense and filling lost positions.”

Key returners are seniors Ryley Paulson and Riley Berg, both starters last season.

“Paulson is our power outside hitter who will also be playing back row for us this year,” explained Coach Isaman.  “Berg is our returning outside hitter who will be playing more as a middle blocker this season.  Greta Tollefson is our junior returning middle hitter who may also be doing some setting for us, as well as junior Anna Stephenson, who returns as a right side hitter.  They will all play a key role this year.  They have been working hard on stepping up as new leaders and changing positions to put together a new lineup and offense.”

Key newcomers to the varsity will be senior JaNae Femling, juniors Allie Haiby, Kierra Booth and Emily Martinez, sophomores Karina Torres, Tori Stephenson and Sophia Paulson, and freshman Kelsey Isaman.

“JaNae is able to play most positions and I expect Allie to fill a defensive specialist position, which is a new position for her,” reported Isaman.  “Kierra and Emily have also been working hard at becoming defensive specialists.  Karina, Tori and Kelsey are all fighting for open hitting positions and have shown great progress, and Sophia comes to the varsity with some setting experience.”

Isaman says Hawley is the team to beat in the Heart O’ Lakes Conference with Barnesville and Park Christian both presenting challenges in Section 6A.

“Our biggest struggle is our ball control and serve receive,” continued Coach Isaman.  “All of our players except for one have never played back row or never played back row at a varsity level, so that is the area we need to show the most improvement.  Our biggest strengths will be our versatile hitters and blockers.  We have some great height and strength this year and should have some great blockers with the ability to slow down the ball.  We also have a very hard-working, positive group of girls that show great competitive grit on the court, which makes them so fun to coach and watch.”

Marie Cupkie (JV), Amanda Belz (B Squad), Kim Nelson (JR High) and Whitney Gravalin (JR High) will assist Isaman.